submediant

[ suhb-mee-dee-uhnt ]

noun

, Music.

1. the sixth tone of a diatonic scale, being midway between the subdominant and the upper tonic.

submediant

/ sʌbˈmiːdɪənt /

noun

1. the sixth degree of a major or minor scale
2. a key or chord based on this

adjective

1. of or relating to the submediant

Word History and Origins

Origin of submediant¹

First recorded in 1800–10; sub- + mediant

Example Sentences

The cream is made in three color tones—the vanilla being the subdominant, as the chord is of subdominant character; the strawberry being the submediant, and the restful green the lowered supertonic or altered tone.”

From Project Gutenberg

In the opening Allegro the second subject occurs, by way of exception, in the major key of the submediant.

From Project Gutenberg

To be sure, Beethoven did invent the change to a lowered submediant in a succeeding movement.

From Project Gutenberg

A bright, though formal Scherzo, with a well-contrasted Trio in the key of the submediant, is followed by a melodious Andante and a graceful, showy Allegretto.

From Project Gutenberg